Vulpescu said he regrets the company’s privatization fell through.
Oltchim is 54.8% owned by the state, through the Economy Ministry, while Germany’s PCC SE owns 18.32%. The state’s stake was auctioned off for some 203 million lei (EUR45 million) on September 21, but the winner, Dan Diaconescu, a controversial local politician and TV station owner, failed to produce the money by the October 1 deadline.
Also Wednesday, the ministry’s privatization office said it would file a criminal claim against Diaconescu for fraud.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta said Monday evening that Oltchim’s privatization would be resumed in 2013, pending a restructuring program due for presentation later this week. Oltchim has total debts worth over EUR700 million. The company reported losses of around EUR42 million in the first half of 2012, more than double on the year.